Cover Letter Basics: What to Include and What to Avoid

Cover Letter Basics: What to Include and What to Avoid

A basic cover letter should do three things quickly: name the role, show why you fit it, and give one or two pieces of proof. If your letter does not help a recruiter connect your experience to this specific job, it is probably too generic.

Keep it short, specific, and tailored. For most roles, 250 to 400 words is enough.

What to include in a cover letter

A strong cover letter usually includes these parts:

• Header: Your name, email, phone number, and the date.
• Greeting: Address a person or team when you can. Dear Hiring Manager is fine if no name is listed.
• Opening: State the role and give a clear reason you are a good fit.
• Body: Add one or two examples that match the job requirements.
• Closing: Reaffirm interest, thank the reader, and invite the next step.

Simple structure you can follow

Use this order to keep the letter focused:

1. Start with the role and your angle

Your first paragraph should answer two questions right away: which job you want and why your background makes sense for it.

Example:

I’m applying for the Marketing Coordinator role. My background in campaign reporting, content calendars, and cross-team coordination matches the day-to-day work described in your posting.

2. Add proof, not a life story

The middle section should support your fit with evidence. Pick one or two examples that are relevant to the job instead of summarizing your full resume.

Good proof can include:

• A project similar to the role’s main work
• A result you helped achieve
• A skill you have used in a real work setting

If you use numbers, make sure they are accurate and easy to explain.

3. Close clearly

Your last paragraph does not need drama. A simple closing works better than a long pitch.

Example:

Thank you for your time. I’d welcome the chance to discuss how my experience could support your team.

What to avoid

These mistakes make cover letters weaker:

• Repeating your resume line by line
• Using the same letter for every application
• Focusing only on why you want the job
• Making vague claims like I am a hard worker without proof
• Writing long paragraphs that are hard to scan
• Sending a letter with the wrong company name or job title

How to tailor a cover letter faster

If you are short on time, tailor these three things first:

• The job title in the opening
• The two most relevant requirements from the job post
• One example from your experience that matches those requirements

That level of tailoring is usually more useful than rewriting every sentence.

When a simple cover letter is enough

You do not need to sound formal or overly polished. A straightforward letter is often the better choice, especially when the employer wants clear communication.

A basic cover letter is enough when it:

• Sounds like you
• Matches the job you are applying for
• Highlights relevant experience
• Is easy to read in under a minute

Final checklist

Before you send your application, check that your cover letter:

• Names the correct job and company
• Explains why you fit this role
• Includes one or two relevant examples
• Stays concise and readable
• Has no spelling or formatting errors

A cover letter does not need to be clever. It needs to make the match between your experience and the role easy to see.